Law enforcement in India

2021-06-28T00:44:50Z

2405:201:6007:4A4A:6523:9D7A:2C8A:A8B8: /* Organisation */

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2013}}
{{short description|Overview of law enforcement in India}}

[[File:The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind with the Probationers of 70 RR (2017 Batch) of the Indian Police Service from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on October 12, 2018 (1).JPG|alt=Khaki-clad officers supervise a peaceful demonstration|thumb|The President of India Ram Nath Kovind with Indian Police Service Officers at the Rashtrapathi Bhavan in New Delhi, 2018.]]
[[File:Women personnel of India's Border Security Force.jpg|thumb|Female security personnel at India-Pakistan border]]

[[Law of India|Indian law]] is enforced by a number of [[Law enforcement agency|agencies]]. Like many [[federation|federal nations]], the [[constitution of India]] delegates the maintenance of law and order primarily to the [[States and union territories of India|states and territories]].

At the [[Government of India|federal]] level, some of India's [[Paramilitary forces of India|paramilitary forces]] are part of the [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] and support the states. Larger cities have police forces under their respective state police. All senior officers in the state police forces and federal agencies are members of the [[Indian Police Service]] (IPS).{{Citation needed|date=August 2019}}

==Central agencies==
[[File:The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh presenting the medals and awards to CISF personnel, during the 49th Raising Day Parade of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), in Ghaziabad on March 10, 2018.jpg|alt=Two officers standing behind a machine gun|thumb|Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh presents medals and awards to CISF personnel and cadets.]]
The central agencies are controlled by the [[Government of India|central government]]. Most federal law-enforcement agencies are under the [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]]. The head of each agency is an IPS officer. The constitution assigns responsibility for maintaining law and order to the states and territories, and almost all routine policing—including the apprehension of criminals—is done by state-level police forces. The constitution also permits the central government to participate in police operations and organization by authorizing the creation of the Indian Police Service.
[[File:National Police Museum New Delhi India.jpg|alt=Museum exhibit, with uniformed mannequins|thumb|upright=1.2|Exhibit of the [[Railway Protection Force]], [[Rapid Action Force]], [[National Security Guard]], and [[Intelligence Bureau (India)|Intelligence Bureau]] at the [[National Police Memorial (India)|National Police Memorial and Museum]] in [[New Delhi]].]]
Central police forces can assist a state's police force if requested by a state government. During the 1975-77 [[The Emergency (India)|Emergency]], the constitution was amended on 1 February 1976 to permit the central government to deploy its armed police forces without state permission. The amendment was unpopular, and use of the central police forces was controversial. After the Emergency was lifted, the constitution was again amended in December 1978 to restore the status quo.

===Ministry of Home Affairs===
The principal national ministry concerned with law enforcement is the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which supervises a large number of government functions and agencies operated and administered by the central government. The ministry is concerned with matters pertaining to the maintenance of public peace and order, the staffing and administration of the public services, delineation of internal boundaries, and the administration of [[Union territory|union territories]].

In addition to controlling the IPS, the Ministry of Home Affairs maintains several agencies and organizations dealing with police and security. Police in the union territories are under the MHA. The [[Minister of Home Affairs (India)|Minister of Home Affairs]] is the cabinet minister responsible for the ministry; the [[Home Secretary of India|Home Secretary]], an [[Indian Administrative Service]] (IAS) officer, is the ministry's administrative head.

===Central Armed Police Forces===
{{Main|Central Armed Police Forces}}

====Border Security Force====
The [[Border Security Force]] (BSF) is responsible for policing India's land borders in peacetime and preventing trans-border crimes. A central police force under the Ministry of Home Affairs, its duties include VIP security, election supervision, guarding vital installations and [[Naxalite|counter-naxal]] operations.

The [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]], which highlighted the inadequacy of the existing border-management system, led to the formation of the Border Security Force as a unified central armed police force mandated with guarding India's boundary with [[Pakistan]]. The BSF's policing capability was used in the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]], against the [[Pakistani Armed Forces]], in areas which were the least threatened. During wartime or when ordered by the central government, the BSF is commanded by the [[Indian Army]]; BSF troops participated in the 1971 [[Battle of Longewala]] in this capacity. After the 1971 war (which led to the creation of [[Bangladesh]]), responsibility for policing the border with Bangladesh was assigned to the force.
[[File:Indian BSF Soldier.jpg|alt=Two women conducting a ceremonial border retreat|thumb|Indian Border Security Officer in ceremonial uniform.]]
Originally charged with guarding India's external borders, the BSF has been tasked with [[counter-insurgency]] and [[counter-terrorism]] operations. When [[insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir]] broke out in 1989 and the [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] state police and the thinly-deployed [[Central Reserve Police Force]] (CRPF) needed extra force to cope with spiraling violence, the central government deployed the BSF to Jammu and Kashmir to combat [[Islamic terrorism|Kashmiri militants]].

BSF operates a Tear-Smoke Unit at its [[Police academy|academy]] in [[Gwalior]], [[Madhya Pradesh]], which supplies [[tear gas]] and [[Shell (projectile)#Smoke|smoke shells]] for riot prevention to all [[State police#India|state police]] forces. It operates [[Police dog|dog squads]], and runs the National Dog Training and Research Centre. The BSF, one of several Indian police forces which have its own [[Wing (military aviation unit)|air]] and water wings, provides helicopter, dog and other support services to the state police.

====Central Industrial Security Force====
The [[Central Industrial Security Force]]'s (CISF) primary task is to provide industrial security.<ref>{{cite news |title=Role of CISF in the internal security of the country |url=https://morungexpress.com/role-cisf-internal-security-country |access-date=29 March 2021 |work=MorungExpress}}</ref> It guards industrial installations nationwide which are owned by the central government, secures [[seaport]]s and [[airport]]s, and provides security for certain [[non-governmental organization]]s. The CISF provides security for nuclear-power plants, space installations, mints, oil fields and refineries, heavy-engineering and steel plants, [[Barrage (dam)|barrages]], fertilizer units, hydroelectric and [[thermal power station]]s, and other installations partially (or wholly) run by the government.<ref>{{cite web |title=Section 10 in the Central Industrial Security Force Act, 1968 |url=https://indiankanoon.org/doc/573891/ |publisher=Indian Kanoon |access-date=29 March 2021}}</ref>

====Central Reserve Police Force====
The [[Central Reserve Police Force|Central Reserve Police Force's]] (CRPF) main objective is to assist states and union territories' law-enforcement agencies in maintaining law and order and containing [[insurgency]]. It is deployed as an [[Counter-terrorism|anti-terrorist]] unit in several regions, and operates abroad as part of [[United Nations peacekeeping]] missions.<ref>{{cite news |title=CRPF contingent evacuated as situation worsens in Libya: Sushma Swaraj |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/sushma-swaraj-says-india-evacuates-peacekeeping-crpf-contingent-as-situation-worsen-in-libya-1496101-2019-04-07 |access-date=29 March 2021 |work=India Today |date=7 April 2019 |language=en}}</ref>

====Indo-Tibetan Border Police====
The 90,000-member [[Indo-Tibetan Border Police]] (ITBP) is responsible for security along the {{convert|2115|km|adj=on}} Indo-[[Tibet]]an border and its surrounding areas. ITBP personnel are trained in maintaining law and order, military tactics, jungle warfare, counter-insurgency, and internal security.
They are also deployed to Indian diplomatic missions located in Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite news |title=India sending 35 ITBP commandos to guard Afghanistan missions |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-sending-35-itbp-commandos-to-guard-afghanistan-missions/articleshow/49557609.cms?from=mdr |access-date=29 March 2021 |work=The Economic Times |agency=PTI |date=27 October 2015}}</ref>

===={{anchor|National Security Guards}}National Security Guard====
The [[National Security Guard]] (NSG) is a [[commando]] unit originally created for counter-terrorism and hostage-rescue missions. Founded in 1986, it is popularly known as the "Black Cats" for its uniform. Like most military and elite-security units in India, it avoids the media and the Indian public is largely unaware of its capabilities and operational details.

The NSG draws its core members from the Indian Army, and the balance is support staff from other central police units. An NSG team and a transport aircraft is stationed at [[Indira Gandhi International Airport]] in New Delhi, ready to deploy in 30 minutes.

===={{anchor|Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)}}Sashastra Seema Bal====
[[Sashastra Seema Bal]] (SSB), founded in 1963, is deployed at the Indo-[[Nepal]] and Indo-[[Bhutan]] borders. SSB, with over 82,000 personnel, is trained in maintaining law and order, military tactics, jungle warfare, counter-insurgency, and internal security. Its personnel are also deployed to the [[Intelligence Bureau (India)|Intelligence Bureau]] (IB), [[Research and Analysis Wing]] (R&AW), [[Special Protection Group]] (SPG), National Security Guard. Officers begin as an [[assistant commandant]] (equivalent to deputy superintendent of police on a state force), and retire with the rank of [[Inspector general#India|inspector general]] (IG).

===Special Protection Group===
The [[Special Protection Group]] (SPG), the central government's [[executive protection]] agency, is responsible for the protection of the [[Prime Minister of India]] and their immediate family. The force was established in 1985, after the [[assassination of Indira Gandhi]]. It provides [[24/7 service|daily, round-the-clock]] security throughout India to the present Prime Minister and his family.

===Central investigation and intelligence institutions===

====Central Bureau of Investigation====
The [[Central Bureau of Investigation]] (CBI) is India's premier investigative agency, responsible for a wide variety of [[criminal]] and [[national security]] matters. Often cited as established with the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946, it was formed by the central government (which controls the Delhi police) with a resolution. Its constitutionality was questioned in the [[Gauhati High Court]] ''Narendra Kumar vs Union of India'' case on the basis that all areas of policing are exclusive to state governments, and the CBI is a central-government agency. The court ruled that despite the lack of legislation, the CBI is an authorized agency of the central government for national policing. Its ruling was upheld by the [[Supreme Court of India]], which cited the CBI's national importance.

The bureau is controlled by the Department of Personnel and Training in the [[Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions]] of the [[government of India]], usually headed by the [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] as the [[Minister of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions]]. India's [[Interpol]] unit, the CBI draws its personnel from IPS officers throughout the country. Specializing in crimes involving high-ranking government officials and politicians, the CBI has also accepted other criminal cases because of media and public pressure (usually due to local-police investigative incompetence).

===={{anchor|Indian Income-tax Department}}Income Tax Department====
{{Main|Directorate General of Income Tax Investigation|Investigation Division of the Central Board of Direct Taxes|Chief Commissioner of Income Tax Central}}
[[File:ALH Dhruv, Indian Air Force.jpg|alt=Indian Navy helicopter, seen from below|thumb|Directorate General of Income Tax Investigation helicopters are supplied by the Indian Air Force.]]
The [[Income Tax Department]] (ITD) is India's premier financial agency, responsible for a wide variety of [[financial]] and [[fiscal policy|fiscal]] matters. The department is controlled by the Department of Revenue in the [[Ministry of Finance (India)|Ministry of Finance]], headed by a [[Union Council of Ministers|minister]] who reports directly to the prime minister. The [[Taxation in India|Central Board of Direct Taxes]] (CBDT) is also part of the Department of Revenue. It provides input for policy and planning of [[Direct tax#Direct taxation in India|direct taxes]], and is responsible for the administration of direct-tax laws through the Income Tax Department. The CBDT operates in accordance with the Central Board of Revenue Act, 1963. The board members, in their ''[[Ex officio member|ex officio]]'' capacity, are also a division of the ministry dealing with matters relating to the levy and collection of taxes, tax evasion and revenue intelligence. It is India's official [[Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering]] (FATF) unit. The Income Tax Department draws its staff from [[Indian Revenue Service]] officers nationwide, and is responsible for the investigation of economic crimes and tax evasion. Some special agents and agents can carry firearms.<ref name="express" />

The Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is headed by the Director General of Intelligence (Income Tax), which was created to address cross-border [[Black market|black money]]. The DCI conducts unobtrusive investigations of "persons and transactions suspected to be involved in criminal activities having cross-border, inter-state or international ramifications, that pose a threat to national security and are punishable under the direct tax laws."<ref name="express">{{cite news |title=Tax evasion cases: I-T 'special agents' to carry arms |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/tax-evasion-cases-it-special-agents-to-carry-arms/843036/ |access-date=27 July 2019 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=7 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314100752/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/tax-evasion-cases-it-special-agents-to-carry-arms/843036/ |archive-date=14 March 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Commissioners of the ITD's intelligence directorate posted in cities such as Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Lucknow will also conduct criminal investigations for the DCI. The ITD's intelligence wing oversees the Central Information Branch (CIB), which has a repository of data on taxpayers' financial transactions.

====Directorate of Revenue Intelligence====
The [[Directorate of Revenue Intelligence]] (DRI) is an intelligence-based organization responsible for the coordination of India's anti-[[smuggling]] efforts. Officers are drawn from the Indian Revenue Service and Group B{{clarify|date=July 2019}} of the [[Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs]].

====Central Economic Intelligence Bureau====

The [[Central Economic Intelligence Bureau]] (CEIB) is the intelligence agency responsible for gathering information and monitoring the economic and financial sectors for economic offenses and warfare.

====Directorate General of Central Excise Intelligence====
The Directorate General of Central Excise Intelligence (DGCEI), formerly known as the Directorate General of Anti-Evasion, is an intelligence-based organization responsible for tax-evasion cases related to central excise duty and service tax. Officers are drawn from the Indian Revenue Service and Group B of the Central Board of Excise and Customs.

====National Investigation Agency====
The [[National Investigation Agency]] (NIA), the central agency combatting [[Terrorism in India|terrorism]], can deal with interstate terror-related crimes without permission from the states. The National Investigation Agency Bill 2008, creating the agency, was moved in [[Parliament of India|Parliament]] by the Home Minister on 16 December 2008.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Finally-govt-clears-central-terror-agency-tougher-laws/articleshow/3842368.cms|title=Finally, govt clears central terror agency, tougher laws|website=The Times of India|access-date=26 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190814034303/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Finally-govt-clears-central-terror-agency-tougher-laws/articleshow/3842368.cms|archive-date=14 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/mumbaiterrorstrike/Story.aspx?ID=NEWEN20080076587&type=News|title=Cabinet clears bill to set up federal probe agency|access-date=25 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508110740/http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/mumbaiterrorstrike/Story.aspx?ID=NEWEN20080076587&type=News|archive-date=8 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Govt-tables-bill-to-set-up-National-Investigation-Agency/articleshow/3846827.cms|title=Govt tables bill to set up National Investigation Agency|website=The Times of India|access-date=26 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190811193724/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Govt-tables-bill-to-set-up-National-Investigation-Agency/articleshow/3846827.cms|archive-date=11 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The NIA was created in response to the [[2008 Mumbai attacks]] as a central [[counter-terrorism]] agency. Also dealing with drug trafficking and currency counterfeiting, it draws its officers from the IRS and the [[Indian Police Service]].

====Narcotics Control Bureau====
The [[Narcotics Control Bureau]] is responsible for anti-narcotics operations nationwide, checking the spread of contraband and the cultivation of drugs. Officers in the bureau are drawn from the IPS and IRS.

===={{anchor|Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD)}}Bureau of Police Research and Development====
The [[Bureau of Police Research and Development]] (BPRD) was established on 28 August 1970 to modernize the police forces. It researches police issues, including training and the introduction of technology at the central and state levels.

===={{anchor|National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)}}National Crime Records Bureau====
In 1979, the National Police Commission recommended the creation of agency to maintain criminal records and a database shareable at the federal and state levels. The [[National Crime Records Bureau]] (NCRB) was established by combining the Directorate of Coordination Police Computers, the Central Fingerprint Bureau, the Data Section of Coordination Division of the Central Bureau of Investigation, and the Statistical Section of the Bureau of Police Research and Development.

===Central forensic institutions===

====Central Forensic Science Laboratory====
The [[Central Forensic Science Laboratory]] (CFSL), a wing of the Ministry of Home Affairs, houses the only DNA repository in South and Southeast Asia. There are seven central forensic laboratories: in [[Hyderabad]], [[Kolkata]], [[Bhopal]], [[Chandigarh]], [[Pune]], [[Guwahati]] and [[New Delhi]]. CFSL Hyderabad is a centre of excellence in chemical sciences, CFSL [[Kolkata]] in biological sciences, and CFSL [[Chandigarh]] in the physical sciences. The laboratories are primarily controlled by the ministry's Directorate of Forensic Science (DFS); the New Delhi lab is under the [[Central Bureau of Investigation]], and investigates cases on its behalf.

===={{anchor|LNJN National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Sciences (LNJN-NICFS)}}National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science====
The [[National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science]] (NICFS) was established on 4 January 1972 at the recommendation of a committee appointed by the [[University Grants Commission (India)|University Grants Commission]] (UGC). In September 1979, the institute became a department of the Ministry of Home Affairs with a full-time director. It is headed by senior [[Indian Police Service]] officers. The institute trains in [[cybercrime]] investigations, and researches aspects of criminology and forensics (including cyberforensics). It is listed as a science and technology organization by the [[Department of Science and Technology (India)|Department of Science and Technology]].

==State police==
{{main|Police forces of the states and union territories of India}}
[[File:City of Taj Police Car.jpg|alt=A smiling constable|thumb|Agra Police Patrol Car]]
Authority over a state police force is held by the state's home department, led by a [[Chief secretary (India)|chief]] or [[Principal Secretary (India)|principal secretary]] (generally an [[Indian Administrative Service]] officer). Each state and union territory has a state police force (headed by a [[Director General of Police]], who is an [[Indian Police Service|IPS]] officer), which is responsible for maintaining law and order in the state's townships and rural areas.

[[West Bengal]], [[Kerala]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Maharashtra]] have taken steps to train their law-enforcement personnel on modern policing norms. The [[Tamil Nadu Police]] Academy is seeking university status, and the [[Kerala Police]] is South Asia's first police force to adopt [[community policing]].{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}

The Police Act of 1861 established the principles of organization for police forces in India and, with minor modifications, continues in effect. Although state police forces are separate and may differ in quality of equipment and resources, their patterns of organization and operation are similar.

The director (or inspector general) of police reports to the head of the home department of the state, generally an Indian Administrative Service officer at the rank of additional chief secretary or principal secretary to the state government. Under the inspector general are police ranges composed of three to six districts, headed by deputy inspectors general. District police headquarters are commanded by [[Superintendent of police (India)|superintendents of police]] (SP), who have discretionary powers and oversee subordinate police stations, criminal-investigation detachments, equipment storehouses and armories, and traffic police.

Most preventive police work is carried out by constables assigned to police stations. Depending on the number of stations, a district may be subdivided and further divided into police circles to facilitate supervision by district headquarters. Most major metropolitan areas, such as Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, have police commissionerates under the state police and headed by commissioners. Police in the states and [[Union territory|union territories]] are assisted by units of volunteer [[Home Guard (India)|Home Guards]] under guidelines formulated by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

In most states and territories, police forces are divided into civil (unarmed) police and armed contingents. Civil police staff police stations, conduct investigations, answer routine complaints, perform traffic duties, and patrol the streets. They usually carry [[Fighting stick|lathis]]: bamboo staffs, weighted (or tipped) with iron.
[[File:Karnataka Police Tata Vehicle.JPG|alt=Two motorcycle police officers in front of a police car|thumb|Armed SWAT vehicle of the Karnataka Police]]
Armed police are divided into two groups: district armed police and the [[Provincial Armed Constabulary]]. District armed police are organized like an army infantry battalion. Assigned to police stations, they perform guard and escort duties. States which maintain armed contingents use them as an emergency reserve strike force. The units are organized as a mobile armed force under state control or, in the case of district armed police (who are not as well equipped), as a force directed by district superintendents and generally used for riot control.

The Provincial Armed Constabulary is an armed reserve maintained at key locations in some states and activated on orders from the deputy inspector general and higher-level authorities. Armed constabulary are not usually in contact with the public unless they are assigned to VIP duty or maintaining order during fairs, festivals, athletic events, elections, and natural disasters. They may be sent to quell outbreaks of student or labour unrest, organized crime, and communal riots; to maintain key guard posts, and to participate in anti-terrorism operations. Depending on the assignment, the Provincial Armed Constabulary may only carry lathis.

Senior police officers answer to the police [[command hierarchy|chain of command]], and respond to the general direction of designated civilian officials. In the municipal force, the chain of command runs to the state home secretary rather than the district superintendent or district officials.

Recruits receive about {{INR}} 30,000 per month. Opportunities for promotion are limited because of the system of horizontal entry into higher grades.{{clarify|date=July 2019}} A 2016 article on the Maharashtra state police describes why reform is needed.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/news/Fixing-Mumbai-Free-the-police/article14494203.ece|title=Fixing Mumbai: Free the police|first=Vappala|last=Balachandran|newspaper=The Hindu|date=17 July 2016}}</ref>

Women have entered into the higher echelons of Indian police in greater numbers since the late 1980s, primarily through the Indian Police Service system. Female officers were first used in 1972, and a number of women hold key positions in state police organizations. Their absolute numbers, however, are small. Uniformed and undercover women police officers have been deployed in New Delhi as the Anti-Eve Teasing Squad, which combats the [[sexual harassment]] of women ("Eves"). Several women-only police stations have been established in Tamil Nadu to handle sex crimes against women.

===Uniforms===
{{See also|Police ranks and insignia of India}}

[[File:Ranks of Police National Police Museum New Delhi India.jpg|thumb|alt=Mannequins in khaki uniforms|Exhibit of Indian police ranks and uniforms at the [[National Police Memorial (India)|National Police Memorial and Museum]], New Delhi]]
Uniforms of state and local police vary by grade, region, and type of duty. The main service uniform for state police is khaki. Some cities, such as [[Kolkata]], have white uniforms. Headgear differs by rank and state; officers usually wear a [[peaked cap]], and constables wear [[beret]]s or [[sidecap]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://persmin.gov.in/Archive/Acts_Rules_Archive/AISRules_Archive/IPSRules/IPS(Uniform)Rules(Revised).htm#_ftnref21 |title=Archived copy |access-date=31 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140208194152/http://persmin.gov.in/Archive/Acts_Rules_Archive/AISRules_Archive/IPSRules/IPS(Uniform)Rules(Revised).htm#_ftnref21 |archive-date=8 February 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Branches such as the [[Central Bureau of Investigation]] do not have a uniform; business dress (shirt, tie, blazer, etc.) is worn with a badge. Special-service armed police have tactical uniforms in accordance with their function, and traffic police generally wear a white uniform.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}

===Organisation===
[[File:Delhi Police Headquarters.jpg|thumb|Delhi Police Headquarters]]
The state police is headed by an IPS officer with the rank of [[director general of police]] (DGP), assisted by two (or more) [[Additional director general of police|additional directors general of police]] (ADGs). Other DG rank officers head autonomous bodies not controlled by the DGP, such as the police recruitment board, fire service and police training. State forces are organised into zones, which consist of two (or more) ranges. Important zones are headed by an additional director general of police, and other zones are headed by an [[Inspector-general of police#India|inspector-general of police]] (IG). Ranges consist of several districts. Important ranges are headed by an IG, and other ranges are headed by a DIG.

Important districts are headed by a senior [[Superintendent of police (India)|superintendent of police]] (SSP), and other districts are headed by a superintendent of police (SP). If an SSP is heading the district, they are assisted by two (or more) SPs. If an SP is heading the district, they are generally assisted by one or two) SPs. Each district is divided into sub-divisions or circles, under a [[deputy superintendent of police]] (DSP). Each sub-division consists of several police stations commanded by an [[Inspector|inspector of police]], who is assisted by [[sub-inspector]]s (SIs) and [[Assistant sub-inspector of police|assistant sub-inspectors]] (ASIs). In rural areas, a sub-inspector is in charge of a police station; sub-inspectors (and higher) can file a charge sheet in court.

District SPs are not empowered as executive magistrates. The [[District magistrate (India)|district magistrate]] (DM, an IAS officer) exercises these powers, which include promulgating Section 144 of the [[Code of Criminal Procedure (India)|Code of Criminal Procedure]] (CrPC) and issuing arms licenses.

Other than the district police forces, there can be various other departments under the state police, such as [[Criminal investigation department#India|Criminal Investigation Department]] (CID), Economic Offences Wing (EOW), [[Fire department]], Telecom, VIP Security, [[Traffic police]], [[Government Railway Police]] (GRP), Anti-Corruption Organization, [[State Armed Police Forces]], [[Anti-Terrorism Squad|Anti Terrorism Squad]] (ATS), [[Special Task Force (India)|Special Task Force]] (STF), State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB), [[Forensic science laboratory|Forensic Science Laboratory]] (FSL) etc.<ref>{{cite web |title=Organisational Setup of Uttar Pradesh Police |url=https://uppolice.gov.in/pages/en/topmenu/about-us/en-organisational-setup-of-uttar-pradesh-police |publisher=[[Uttar Pradesh Police]] |access-date=15 May 2021}}</ref>

===Government Railway Police===
The [[Government Railway Police]] (GRP) is the police force that is responsible for policing on the railway stations and trains of [[Indian Railways]]. Its duties correspond to those of the District Police in the areas under their jurisdiction, but only on railway property. While [[Railway Protection Force]] (RPF) comes under [[Ministry of Railways (India)|Ministry of Railways]], [[Government of India]], GRP comes under the respective state police or UT police.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Press Trust of India |title=MoS Railways dubs Railway Protection Force as 'toothless', demands more power for it |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/mos-railways-dubs-railway-protection-force-as-toothless-demands-more-power-for-it/articleshow/67560323.cms |access-date=12 June 2019 |agency=economictimes.indiatimes.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=[[Bibek Debroy]] |title=Lesser-known facts about GRP and RPF |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/lesser-known-facts-about-grp-and-rpf-117061501484_1.html |access-date=16 May 2021 |agency=[[Business Standard]]}}</ref>

===Police Commissionerates===
{{see also|Commissioner of Police (India)}}
[[File:India - Kolkata traffic cop - 3661.jpg|alt=Two mounted-police officers|thumb|Traffic Police directing cars in Kolkata.]]
Some cities use the police commissionerate system (like [[Kolkata Police Force|Kolkata]], [[Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate]], [[Mumbai Police|Mumbai]], [[Delhi Police|Delhi]], [[Pune Police|Pune]] etc.), headed by a [[Police commissioner#India|police commissioner]]. Demand for this system is increasing as it gives police a free hand to act freely and take control of any situation. 68 large cities and suburban areas currently have this system in India. Even in British Raj, the presidency towns of [[Kolkata|Calcutta]], [[Mumbai|Bombay]] and [[Chennai|Madras]] had commissionerate system. Reporting to the Police Commissioner (CP) are the Joint Police Commissioner (Joint CPs), Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCPs) and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACPs). Commissioners of police and their deputies are empowered as executive magistrates to enforce [[Unlawful assembly#India|Section 144 of the CrPC]] and issue arms licenses. Police commissionerates are subordinate to the state police except for the [[Kolkata Police Force]], which independently reports to the [[Department of Home (West Bengal)|Department of Home]] of [[Government of West Bengal]].

===Traffic police===
Highway police and [[traffic police]] in small towns are under the [[state police]]; traffic police in cities are under the metropolitan and state police. Traffic police maintain a smooth traffic flow and stop offenders. Highway police secure the highways and catch speeders. Accidents, registrations, and vehicle data are checked by traffic police.

==={{anchor|State armed police forces}}State Armed Police Forces===
The [[State Armed Police Forces]] provide a state with policing in particularly violent or serious situations, such as combating [[banditry]] and [[Naxalite]]s. Like the [[Central Armed Police Forces]], they are known unofficially as paramilitary forces. Each state police force maintains an armed force, with names such as Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and Special Armed Police, which is responsible for emergencies and crowd control. They are generally activated on orders from a [[Deputy inspector general of police#India|deputy inspector general]] or higher-level authorities. List of the State Armed Police Forces are hereinbelow.
{| class="wikitable"
|+List of State Armed Police Forces
!Sr No
!Name of the State
!State Armed Police Forces
|-
|1
|[[Andhra Pradesh]]
|District Armed Reserve Police
|-
|2
|[[Arunachal Pradesh]]
|Arunachal Pradesh Armed Police
|-
|3
|[[Assam]]
|Assam Police Battalion
|-
|4
|[[Bihar]]
|Bihar Military Police
|-
|5
|[[Goa]]
|[[Indian Reserve Battalion]]
|-
|6
|[[Gujarat]]
|Gujarat State Reserve Police Force
|-
|7
|[[Haryana]]
|Haryana Armed Police
|-
|8
|[[Himachal Pradesh]]
|Indian Reserve Battalion
|-
|9
|[[Jharkhand]]
|Jharkhand Armed Police
|-
|10
|[[Karnataka]]
|Karnataka State Reserve Police Force
|-
|11
|[[Kerala]]
|Kerala Armed Police, Malabar Special Police, Special Armed Police
|-
|12
|[[Madhya Pradesh]]
|Madhya Pradesh Special Armed Police
|-
|13
|[[Maharashtra]]
|Maharashtra State Reserve Police Force
|-
|14
|[[Manipur]]
|Manipur Rifles & Indian Reserve Battalions
|-
|15
|[[Meghalaya]]
|Meghalaya Armed Police Battalions & Indian Reserve Battalions
|-
|16
|[[Mizoram]]
|Mizoram Armed Police & Indian Reserve Battalions
|-
|17
|[[Nagaland]]
|Nagaland Armed Police & Indian Reserve Battalions
|-
|18
|[[Odisha]]
|Odisha Special Armed Police
|-
|19
|[[Punjab, India|Punjab]]
|Punjab Armed Police
|-
|20
|[[Rajasthan]]
|Rajasthan Armed Constabulary
|-
|21
|[[Sikkim]]
|Sikkim Armed Police<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sikkimpolice.nic.in/history.html|title=SIKKIM POLICE - History|website=sikkimpolice.nic.in|access-date=2020-03-31}}</ref>
|-
|22
|[[Tamil Nadu]]
|Tamil Nadu Special Police
|-
|23
|[[Telangana]]
|Telangana State Special Police
|-
|24
|[[Tripura]]
|Tripura State Rifles<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tripurapolice.gov.in/tsr|title=Tipura State Rifles {{!}} Tripura Police|website=tripurapolice.gov.in|access-date=2020-03-31}}</ref> & Indian Reserve Battalions
|-
|25
|[[Uttar Pradesh]]
|Uttar Pradesh Provincial Armed Constabulary
|-
|26
|[[Uttarakhand]]
|Uttarakhand Provincial Armed Constabulary
|-
|27
|[[West Bengal]]
|West Bengal Armed Police Forces, Eastern Frontier Rifles & Kolkata Armed Police
|}

=={{anchor|Women in Law Enforcement}}Role of women==
In 1972, [[Kiran Bedi]] became the first female Indian Police Service officer. Twenty years later, [[Asha Sinha]] was the first female commandant of the paramilitary forces. [[Kanchan Chaudhary Bhattacharya]] was the first female director general of police in a state when she was appointed DGP of the [[Uttarakhand Police]]. In 2018, IPS Officer Archana Ramasundram became the first female paramilitary DGP ([[Sashastra Seema Bal]]).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/rajni-kant-mishra-takes-charge-as-ssb-dg/articleshow/60894141.cms|title=First ever woman chief of SSB retires; Rajni Kant Mishra takes charge|date=14 July 2018|work=The Economic Times|access-date=12 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210231819/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/rajni-kant-mishra-takes-charge-as-ssb-dg/articleshow/60894141.cms|archive-date=10 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

Women had previously been limited to supervisory roles in the Central Armed Police Forces.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/government-allows-women-to-be-combat-officers-in-all-central-armed-police-forces/articleshow/51380021.cms|title=Government allows women to be combat officers in all Central Armed Police Forces|date=11 July 2018|newspaper=The Economic Times|access-date=11 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224001906/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/government-allows-women-to-be-combat-officers-in-all-central-armed-police-forces/articleshow/51380021.cms|archive-date=24 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The parliamentary [[Parliamentary Committees of India#Other Standing Committees|Committee on Empowerment of Women]] recommended greater roles for women in the CAPF. In accordance with this recommendation, the Ministry of Home Affairs mandated preferential treatment for women in paramilitary constabularies and later declared that women could be combat officers in all five Central Armed Police Forces.<ref name="auto1"/> The Union Home Minister announced that female representation in the [[Central Reserve Police Force|CRPF]] and [[Central Industrial Security Force]] would be 15 percent and five percent in the [[Border Security Force]], [[Indo-Tibetan Border Police]] and Sashastra Seema Bal.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/women-quota-in-crpf-cisf-to-be-made-15-per-cent/cid/1681181|title=Women quota in CRPF, CISF to be made 15 per cent|website=telegraphindia.com|access-date=11 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403051328/https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/women-quota-in-crpf-cisf-to-be-made-15-per-cent/cid/1681181|archive-date=3 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> On 5 January 2016, it was decided that 33 percent of CRPF and CISF constabulary posts would be reserved for women in the CRPF and the CISF, and 14-15 percent in the BSF, SSB and ITBP.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}

=== Forest Service ===
{{main|Indian Forest Service}}

The maintenance of Forest and Forest land falls within the ambit of respective Forest services of state who is headed by Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Officer. The main mandate of the service is the implementation of the National Forest Policy in order to ensure the ecological stability of the country through the protection and participatory sustainable management of natural resources. An IFoS officer is wholly independent of the district administration and exercises administrative, judicial and financial powers in his own domain. Positions in state forest department, such as [[District/Divisional Forest Officer]] (DFO), [[Conservator of Forests]] (CF), [[Chief Conservator of Forests]] (CCF) and [[Principal Chief Conservator of Forests]] (PCCF) etc., are held only by IFoS officers. The highest ranking IFS official in each state is the [[Head of Forest Forces]] (HoFF). Apart from this Forest are regularly patrolled by Forest Rangers although they don't have arrest powers but they are task in detecting and stopping smugglers of Forest produce and poacher. Upon detection the accused/s are handed over to police for further process. The duties of the Forest Service are not confined to stopping of crimes but also have responsibility to develop tourism and also to look after villages falling under Forest land. Forest Services role came to forefront due to smuggling and poaching activities of Verrappan.

There are reports of forest guards being overwhelmed by the animals and poachers and smuggler due to lack of equipment or obsolete equipment. Forest Guards have been reported not able to fight back since they have been under heavy restrictions of usage of weapons and even if available they are no match to automatic weapons employed by the poachers and smugglers.<ref name="22 Oct">{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/forest-guard-dies-in-tiger-attack-in-corbett-third-such-death-this-year-in-reserve/articleshow/71693872.cms|title=Forest guard dies in tiger attack in Corbett, third such death this year in reserve|last=22 Oct|first=Shivani Azad {{!}} TNN {{!}}|last2=2019|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2020-04-18|last3=Ist|first3=10:40}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.patrika.com/katni-news/forest-guards-at-risk-seek-protection-1255952/|title=हिंदी खबर, Latest News in Hindi, हिंदी समाचार, ताजा खबर|website=Patrika News|language=hi|access-date=2020-04-18}}</ref>

Although due to nature of the duty Forest guards is a male dominated profession more and more women have been recruited in forest services. This women guards are performing duty akin to their male counterparts. The role of women in Forest service is highlighted in [[Discovery Channel India]]'s four part documentary series "Lion Queens of India" based on forest guards of Gir wildlife sanctuary, Gujarat.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cocktailzindagi.com/meet-the-shernis-indias-only-female-forest-guards-stationed-at-gir/|title=Meet The Shernis : India's Only Female Forest Guards Stationed at Gir|date=2017-08-09|website=Cocktail Zindagi|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-04-18}}</ref>

The Forest Department although greatly restricted in carrying firearm, These firearms are only for protection of self and accompanying forest personnels including temporary workers, and the conditions of use of firearms of all descriptions are very rigidly laid out and the use of every cartridge, even for training purposes, has to be immediately accounted for to the Department as well as to the Executive Magistrate having jurisdiction and the police. In case of any human casualties arising out of use of these firearms the Executive Magistrate having jurisdiction conducts enquiry and only when he finds that the use of fire arms was unauthorised, illegal, or excessive, further action is taken by the police. Injuries or death of wild animals of all descriptions has to be reported to the Chief Wildlife Warden of the state without delay first over wireless and then in writing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.quora.com/Do-the-Indian-Forest-officers-have-the-authority-to-carry-a-pistol-with-them|title=Do the Indian Forest officers have the authority to carry a pistol with them? - Quora|website=quora.com|access-date=2020-04-18}}</ref> The Forest guards are generally issued .303 [[Lee Enfield SMLE]] and 12 Bore [[double barrel shotgun]] or single barrel [[shotgun]] while under special circumstance [[L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle]] are also issued.

The Forest Department are usually travel in Mahindra Jeep or other off-road vehicle, the Forest Department also travel on motorcycles especially [[Royal Enfield Motorcycles]] and [[Hero Splendor]].

The Forest guards have uniforms similar to that of police with women also being given option of Salwar kameez.




==Selection and training==
{{unreferenced section|date=August 2019}}
The recruitment process differs by position, and direct entry (where an applicant does not have to start at the lowest level) is possible. Educational requirements increase for higher posts.

Assistant superintendents of police (ASP) are recruited annually by the independent [[Union Public Service Commission]] by competitive examination, and are appointed to the Indian Police Service. The IPS officers are then assigned to a state force. Trainee officers undergo 44 weeks of initial training, which includes invited lawyers and management consultants. At the end of their probation, they have several weeks of orientation at the state police academy.

Non-managerial positions are selected by the state (or central) government, and are trained at police recruit schools. The length of training for inspectors is about a year; for constables, it is nearly nine months. School training staff is drawn from the police force. Police are trained in basic law, self-protection, weapons handling and other skills at recruit stations. Superior recruits receive special training.

Recruitment for state police is conducted by state police recruitment boards. Eligibility standards are set by the central government, depending on state demographics.

==Transport==
{|class="wikitable"
! Vehicle
! Origin
! Use
! Illustration
|-
|[[Royal Enfield Bullet|Royal Enfield 350/500]]
|India
|Used for patrolling and as intercepters, Acrobatic team, convey motorcycle.
|[[File:Enfield Bullet 350, Kathgodam, India.jpg|frameless|220x220px]]
|-
|[[Harley-Davidson Street|Harley-Davidson Street 750]]
|USA
|Exclusively used by Gujarat Police & Kolkata Police for piloting VIP convoys
|
|-
|[[Bajaj Pulsar]] 150
|India
|Used mainly by traffic police and for responding to Calls
|[[File:Bikes used by Traffic Police, Bangalore.jpg|frameless|220x220px]]
|-
|[[Hero Splendor]]
|India
|Not the most common Police Vehicle But mainly used by Police of Rural Regions.
|[[File:Hero Honda Splendor 2007.jpg|frameless]]
|-
|[[TVS Apache]]
|India
|Used by Traffic cops as intercepters and also for patrolling.
|[[File:Delhi Police Jaguar Team Central District.jpg|thumb|220x220px]]
|-
| [[Tata Safari|Tata Safari Storme]]
| India
| Used by tactical police forces (such as [[SWAT]]), senior bureaucrats, and as police Responding Units ''[Dial-100]'' in Madhya Pradesh.
| [[File:Tata Safari Storme, by SouLSteer, Maharaj Bada from Gwalior, April 2013.jpg|upright=1.2|frameless|alt=Black car]]
|-
| [[Mahindra Scorpio]]
| India
| Used by Almost all Police Departments in India, by Special Forces, senior bureaucrats, income-tax, and central excise officers. It is also used in escorts.
|[[File:PNP MAHINDRA SCORPIO POLICE CAR.jpg|frameless|220x220px]]
|-
|[[Mahindra Jeep]]
|India
|Mainstay for all state police, being phased out from service. It was once a face for Indian Police, after being replaced by Mahindra Bolero.
|[[File:Mahindra CL 550 MDI @ Changanasseri.jpg|frameless|314x314px]]
|-
|[[Mahindra Rakshak]]
|India
|Used as an armoured personal carrier, riot control
|[[File:Rakshak.JPG|frameless|220x220px]]
|-
|Tata Vajra
|India
|Used as an armoured personal carrier, riot control
|
|-
| [[Mahindra XUV500]]
| India
| Used by investigation cells of police, Special Forces, senior bureaucrats, VIP escorts, and income-tax officers.
| [[File:XUV Military.jpg|upright=1.2|frameless|alt=Black SUV]]
|-
|[[Isuzu D-Max|Isuzu D-max]]
|Japan, India
|Used by special forces of Nagaland and Karnataka Police for ops.
|[[File:Isuzu D-Max (Second Generation).jpg|frameless|220x220px]]
|-
|[[Mahindra Marksman]]
|India
|Used by special forces like Riot control units of Delhi Police and Mumbai police, Karnataka police<br />
|[[File:WCI,police protection,TN536.jpg|frameless|220x220px]]
|-
|[[Tata Nexon]]
|India
|Electric version being employed by Motor vehicle department of State of Kerala
|[[File:Tata Nexon Blue Dual Tone.jpg|frameless|220x220px]]
|-
| [[Suzuki SX4|Maruti Suzuki SX4]]
| India, Japan
| Used by judges, ministers, and [[Telecom Regulatory Authority of India]] advisors and as Escorts of Members of The Parliament, Delhi police
| [[File:DelhiSX4.jpg|upright=1.2|frameless|alt=Grey sedan, seen from the front]]
|-
|[[Suzuki Ertiga|Maruti Suzuki Ertiga]]
|India
| Used in [[Bangalore City Police]]'s mobile beat/patrol fleet Hoysala and their all-women patrol called Pink Hosyala.
|[[File:Bangalore-City-Police-Car.jpg|frameless|220x220px]]
|-
|[[Toyota Innova]]
| Japan, India
| Being New to the club, It is Used by police as investigator's vehicle, also used by senior bureaucrats, income-tax and central excise officers, and as highway patrol units.
| [[File:2017 Toyota Kijang Innova 2.4 V wagon (GUN142R; 01-12-2019), South Tangerang.jpg|upright=1.2|frameless|alt=Grey crossover vehicle]]
|-
|[[Chevrolet|Chevrolet Tavera]]
| India, US
|It is Used by police in all sorts of activities. Also used by senior bureaucrats and as highway patrol units and also are used for customs raids.
<br/>
({{small|''This car is not being produced lately [since Chevrolet Left India] and only the remaining units are operating.''}})
|[[File:One of the typical Interceptors used by the Bangalore Traffic Police.jpg|frameless]]
|-
|[[Tata Telcoline|Tata Xenon]]
|India
|used by NSG, Indian Army, and Several police Departments like Mumbai police, Madhya Pradesh police, and [[Uttar Pradesh police]], etc.
|[[File:Tata Xenon.JPG|frameless]]
|-
|[[Toyota Fortuner]]
| Japan, India
| Used by ministers [sometimes being their own respective personal vehicle ] and high-ranking law-enforcement officials of NIA, CBI, and IB. It has been also deployed by ITBP on China border.
| [[File:ToyotaFortunerDelhi.jpg|upright=1.2|frameless|alt=Another white SUV]]
|-
|[[Mahindra TUV300|Mahindra TUV 300]]
|India
|Used as patrol vehicle. It is used by Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh police.
|[[File:Mahindra TUV 300 Chennai 2016 (1).JPG|frameless|220x220px]]
|-
| [[Honda Civic]]
| Japan, India
| Used by judges, ministers, and [[Income Tax Appellate Tribunal]] members.
| [[File:HondaCivicDelhi.jpg|upright=1.2|frameless|alt=White sedan, seen from the front]]
|-
| [[Toyota Corolla]]
| Japan, India
| Used by judges, ministers, and [[Telecom Regulatory Authority of India]] advisors, Tamil Nadu police
| [[Image:JudgeCar.jpg|upright=1.2|frameless|alt=Light-coloured sedan]]
|-
| [[Tata Sumo]]
| India
| It was once the face of Indian police forces and was known and used for its tough terrain capabilities and is spacious.
| [[File:Tata Sumo EX 2.0 TDi 4x4 2001 (15260028476).jpg|upright=1.2|frameless|alt=Dark-grey SUV]]
|-
| [[Tata Motors|Tata]] Indigo CS
| India
| Squad car, senior bureaucrats such as the commissioners of Income Tax, Police, Customs and Central Excise
| [[File:Tataindigodelhi.jpg|upright=1.2|frameless|alt=Light-grey sedan]]
|-
| [[Chevrolet Captiva]]
| India, US
| Used by ministers and MPs.
| [[File:CaptivaGOI.png|upright=1.2|frameless|alt=Light-grey sedan]]
|-
| [[Hindustan Ambassador]]
| India
| Used by senior bureaucrats, police, income-tax, central excise and customs officers and ministers, most of Indian police
| [[File:Rashtrapati Bhavan-Delhi-India4438.JPG|upright=1.2|frameless|alt=Older-looking white sedan]]
|-
| [[Ford Endeavor]]
| India, US
| Used by ministers and some Police forces Like Mumbai police, Para-military, etc., for heavy-duty usage.
| [[File:EndevorFord.png|upright=1.2|frameless|alt=White SUV]]
|-
| [[Mitsubishi Pajero]]
| Japan, India
| Used by ministers
| [[File:Pajero.png|upright=1.2|frameless|alt=White SUV]]
|-
| [[Maruti Gypsy]]
| Japan, India
| used by Delhi Police and The Indian Army as Squad cars and responding units, Tamil Nadu police
| [[File:Wagahmps (85).JPG|upright=1.2|frameless|alt=White jeep]]
|-
| [[Mahindra Bolero]]
| India
| Squad car and central excise-and-customs and state excise department officers
|[[File:Mahindra Bolero GLX Front.JPG|frameless|220x220px]]
|-
| [[Hyundai Accent]]
| Korea, India
| Squad car, additional commissioners of income tax, and police. Used by Police Departments Like Tamil Nadu, Kerala and the state of AP
| [[File:Gcp patrol car.jpg|upright=1.2|frameless|alt=White police car]]
|-
|[[Tata 407]]
|India
|Variants of this model used in riot control, armored personal carrier, prison van, police personal carrier
|[[File:Vehicle Factory Jabalpur (VFJ)'s Bullet Proof 407.jpg|frameless|220x220px]]
|-
|Tata bus
|India
|Prison van and for transporting Police Personnel, most of Indian police
|[[File:Delhi Police Bus.jpg|frameless]]
|-
|Renault Sherpa
|France
|Used by CISF and NSG
|[[File:Festival automobile international 2012 - Renault Sherpa light Scout - 006.jpg|frameless]]
|-
|Motor patrol boats
|India
|Used by Marine Police
|[[File:MumbaiPoliceSpeedBoat.JPG|frameless]]
|}

Unlike other countries, state police forces rely on [[SUVs]]. The [[Mahindra Legend]] Jeep had been the most common police car in India; other SUVs, such as the [[Maruti Gypsy]], [[Mahindra Bolero]], [[Tata Sumo]], [[Tata Safari]], [[Chevrolet Tavera]] and [[Toyota Qualis]], are now used. SUVs are known for their capability in varied terrain.

[[Minivan]]s are used by police in cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, where the Chevrolet Tavera ([[Delhi]], [[Kochi]], [[Kozhikode]] and [[Thiruvananthapuram]]), Toyota Qualis ([[Mumbai]], [[Delhi]] and [[Chennai]]) and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ([[Bangalore]] and Pune) are extensively used. Although most cities use SUVs and minivans, Chennai has adopted [[Sedan (automobile)|sedans]] such as the [[Hyundai Accent]]; [[Kolkata]] has adopted the [[Tata Indigo]]. In [[Kerala]] cities such as [[Thiruvananthapuram]], [[Kochi]] and [[Kozhikode]], the Pink Patrol (to protect women) uses the [[Toyota Etios]].

Depending upon the state, police vehicles may have revolving lights, strobes, or light bars. A modernization drive has ensured that vehicles are equipped with [[two-way radio]]s in communication with a central control room. Highway police vehicles generally have [[Speed limit enforcement|radar equipment]], [[Breathalyzer|breath analyzers]], and emergency [[first aid kit]]s. For traffic regulation and city patrol, [[motorcycle]]s are also used; most was the Indian version of the [[Royal Enfield Bullet]], but the [[Bajaj Pulsar]] and [[TVS Apache]] are also used.

== Weapons and equipment ==
Weapons and equipment vary from state to state and agency to agency. Standard equipment for a [[constable]] on the [[Beat (police)|beat]] is the lathi, or baton—generally made of [[bamboo]], but currently also made of [[polymer]]. Riot police have other equipment, including [[tear gas]] and [[taser]]s.

Although police constables do not generally carry firearms on regular duty, they are available at police stations. Officers at and above the rank of [[sub-inspector]] or head constable are authorized to carry a [[Sidearm (weapon)|side arm]], generally a [[Pistol Auto 9mm 1A]] or a [[Glock 17]]. Officers always carry side arms. Traffic police officers have fine books and other equipment.

Firearms previously stocked at police stations included [[Lee–Enfield|.303 Lee–Enfield]] rifles (now replaced), [[FN FAL|7.62 1A]] self-loading rifles and [[Sterling submachine gun|SAF Carbine 2A1s]], which have been replaced by [[AK-47]] and [[INSAS rifle]]s. The [[Ordnance Factory Board]] is a supplier of arms, ammunition, uniforms, bullet-proof vehicles, and mine-protected vehicles to the police. Only a station officer can allow the use of reserve guns in emergencies. During public unrest, protests or possible terrorist attacks, police are equipped by the state (or central) government.

Special units at the state and federal level have automatic weapons, such as the AK-47, [[AKM]] and INSAS [[assault rifle]]s and [[Bren light machine gun|Bren guns]]. Special-forces and [[SWAT]] units use [[Heckler & Koch MP5]]s, [[Brügger & Thomet MP9]]s, [[AK-103]]s, [[M4 carbine|M4A1 Carbine]]s and others. Bulletproof jackets are generally not worn by state police, although special units carry tactical vests, gear, and weapons according to function.

<br />
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Name
!Weapon
!Type
!Caliber
!Origin
!Note
|-
! colspan="6" |[[Handgun]]s
|-
|[[Pistol Auto 9mm 1A]]
|[[File:Pistol Auto 9 mm 1A - Kolkata 2012-01-23 8779.JPG|frameless|220x220px]]
|[[Semi-automatic pistol]]
|[[9mm Parabellum|9×19mm Parabellum]]
|India
|Standard issue firearm
|-
|[[Glock 17]]
|[[File:Glock 17.JPG|frameless|220x220px]]
|[[Semi-automatic pistol]]
|[[9mm Parabellum|9×19mm Parabellum]]
|Austria
|Standard Issue Firearm
|-
|[[IOF .32 revolver]]
|[[File:IOF-32-REV-1.JPG|frameless|220x220px]]
|[[Revolver]]
|7.65mm x 23mm
|India
|Standard issue firearm
|-
! colspan="6" |[[Shotgun]]
|-
|[[OFB pump action Shotgun]]
|[[File:6--sa12pagun.jpg|frameless]]
|[[Pump action]]
|[[12-gauge shotgun]]
|India
|Used mostly by prison service and Forest Departments
|-
! colspan="6" |[[Submachine gun|Sub-Machine Gun]]
|-
|[[Sterling submachine gun|SAF Carbine 2A1]]
|[[File:Sterling SMG.JPG|frameless|220x220px]]
|[[Submachine gun]]
|[[9mm Parabellum|9×19mm Parabellum]]
|India
| Phasing out and being replaced by [[Modern Sub Machine Carbine|MSMC]]
|-
|[[Heckler & Koch MP5]]
|[[File:Heckler & Koch MP5 b.jpg|frameless|220x220px]]
|[[Submachine gun]]
|[[9mm Parabellum|9×19mm Parabellum]]
|Germany
|Used mainly by Police SWAT
|-
|[[Sten|Sten Sub Machine]]
|[[File:Sten Mk II IMG 4781 (Nemo5576) noBG.png|frameless|220x220px]]
|[[Submachine gun]]
|[[9mm Parabellum|9×19mm Parabellum]]
|UK
|Being phased out and replaced by [[Modern Sub Machine Carbine|MSMC]]
|-
|[[Modern Sub Machine Carbine]]
|[[File:MSMC - Modern Sub Machine Carbine.jpg|frameless|220x220px]]
|[[Submachine gun]]
|[[9mm Parabellum|9×19mm Parabellum]]
|India
| Replacing all [[Sten|Sten Sub Machine]] and [[Sterling submachine gun|SAF Carbine 2A1]]
|-
! colspan="6" |Assault Rifle/ Battle Rifles
|-
|[[Ishapore 2A1 rifle]]
|[[File:RFI Rifle 7.62mm 2A1.JPG|frameless|220x220px]]
|[[Bolt action|bolt-action]]
|[[7.62 NATO]]
|India
|Being phased out, mainly retain for ceremonial purpose, still employed by Forest Departments
|-
|315" Sporting Rifle
|
|[[Bolt action|bolt-action]]
|8 mm (.315")
|India
|Mainly employed by Forest Departments
|-
|12 Bore Double barrel shotgun
|[[File:ShotgunAction.JPG|frameless]]
|Single shot
|12-gauge
|India
|Mainly employed by Forest Departments
|-
|[[L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle]]
|[[File:SLRL1A1.jpg|frameless|220x220px]]
|[[Semi-automatic rifle]]
|[[7.62×51mm NATO]]
|UK
|Being phased out
|-
|[[AKM]]
|[[File:AKM automatkarbin Ryssland - 7,62x39mm - Armémuseum rightside noBG.png|frameless|220x220px]]
|[[Assault rifle|Assault Rifle]]
|[[7.62×39mm]]
| Russia
|
|-
|[[INSAS|1B1 INSAS]]
|[[File:INSAS Standard Issue Assualt Rifle noBG.png|frameless|220x220px]]
|[[Assault rifle|Assault Rifle]]
|[[5.56×45mm NATO]]
|India
|Mainstay of police force
|-
|[[Colt M4]]
|[[File:Colt LE694CK M4A1 Monolithic Carbine 11.5 inch.jpg|frameless]]
|Assault rifle
|[[5.56 NATO]]
|USA
|Used by Mizoram Police
|-
! colspan="6" |Light Machine Gun
|-
|[[Bren light machine gun|GUN MACHINE 7.62MM IA]]
|[[File:Bren wog.jpg|frameless|220x220px]]
|[[Light machine gun|Light machine Gun]]
|[[7.62×51mm NATO|7.62 x 51 mm NATO]]
|India
|Being phased out
|-
|INSAS LMG
|[[File:INSAS LMG.JPG|frameless|220x220px]]
|[[Light machine gun|Light machine Gun]]
|[[5.56×45mm NATO]]
|India
|
|-
| colspan="6" |Sniper Rifles
|-
|[[M107 Long Range Sniper Rifle|M107]]
|[[File:M107 html 5f1f60d5.gif|frameless]]
|[[Sniper rifle|Sniper Rifle]]
|[[.416 Barrett|416 Barrett]]
|USA
|used by Mumbai Police's Force One Commandos
|}

=={{anchor|Mukhbir informers network|Mukhbir|Mukhbirs|Informers network|Informers}}''Mukhbir''==
{{anchor | Mukhbir informers network | Mukhbir }}
{{Main|Police Mitra scheme}}
Informers (''mukhbir'') provide information for financial compensation. Police agencies budget for their ''mukhbir''s because they are "the eyes and ears of police", and help resolve cases. In 2012, the [[Delhi Police]] budgeted {{INR}} 40 lakh ({{INR}} 4 million) to pay their ''mukhbir'' ({{INR}} 2,000 per [[Inspector#India|inspector]]).<ref name=informer1>[https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/delhi-cops-seek-bigger-fund-to-pay-informers/story-QrL46CvgCdU29J4HmqmZqJ.html Delhi cops seek bigger fund to pay informers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119122659/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/delhi-cops-seek-bigger-fund-to-pay-informers/story-QrL46CvgCdU29J4HmqmZqJ.html |date=19 January 2019 }}, Hindustan Times, 16 May 2012.</ref>

== See also ==
{{div col |colwidth = 20em }}
* [[Indian Armed Forces]]
* [[Indian Police Foundation and Institute]]
* [[Police Complaints Authority (India)]]
* [[List of Indian intelligence agencies]]
* [[Crime in India]]
* [[List of cases of police brutality in India]]
* [[Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems]]
* [[Mass surveillance in India]]
* [[Indian Penal Code]]
* [[National Counter Terrorism Centre]]
* [[List of countries and dependencies by number of police officers]]
* [[Indian criminal law]]
{{div col end}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{Commons category-inline|Law enforcement in India}}

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Law enforcement in India